VASRD 5161 · Musculoskeletal System
Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third VA Disability Rating
This is an amputation of the thigh in its upper third — the top one-third of the distance from the perineum to the knee joint, measured from the perineum. The schedule states a single evaluation for that level, so whether a prosthesis can be fitted does not raise or lower the percentage.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | The leg was amputated through the top third of the thigh, measured from the groin down toward the knee. |
How the VA Evaluates Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third
Requires surgical or clinical records fixing the level of the amputation: the residual limb must end within the upper third of the thigh, measured as one-third of the distance from the perineum to the knee joint. DC 5161 states one evaluation for that level, so prosthetic fit affects rehabilitation and secondary claims rather than this percentage.
Approval outlook
Very High – major limb loss typically well-supported by medical documentation.
Veterans service-connected
~900 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~80%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Surgical records confirming amputation level
- •Prosthetic fitting documentation
- •VA exam confirming limited mobility
Strategy Tips
- •Include rehab reports showing mobility issues
- •Submit both physical and mental health evaluations
- •Explain how the amputation impacts daily life
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Not documenting the measured level of the amputation, which is the one fact this code turns on.
- •Not documenting psychological impact.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not submitting the operative report or clinical measurement that fixes the amputation level.
- •Not showing how the amputation affects mobility or work.
Onset Patterns
- •Usually from traumatic combat injury or advanced vascular disease
- •Phantom pain and psychological impact may appear later
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Phantom Limb Pain
Common neurological effect after limb loss
Depression
Amputation can severely affect mental health and self-image
Common questions about Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third
- Is Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third under VASRD diagnostic code 5161 (Musculoskeletal System). This is an amputation of the thigh in its upper third — the top one-third of the distance from the perineum to the knee joint, measured from the perineum. The schedule states a single evaluation for that lev…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third?
- Possible VA ratings for Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third are 80%. Examples: 80%: The leg was amputated through the top third of the thigh, measured from the groin down toward the knee..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third at around 80%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 900 veterans are service-connected for Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third. Estimated approval outlook: Very High – major limb loss typically well-supported by…
- What evidence helps prove Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third claim includes: Surgical records confirming amputation level; Prosthetic fitting documentation; VA exam confirming limited mobility.
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third: Not submitting the operative report or clinical measurement that fixes the amputation level.; Not showing how the amputation affects mobility or work..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third include: Phantom Limb Pain, Depression. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5161)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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